Robots work restaurant in China

January 18, 2013 3:05 PM

Looking for a little less humanity in your restaurant service? This eatery in Harbin, China, features a robot staff.

Looking for a little less humanity in your restaurant service? This eatery in Harbin, China, features a robot staff.

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

Looking for a little less humanity in your restaurant service? This... Photo-4051348.55341 - Times Union

Image 2 of 15

At Robot Restaurant 20, which opened last June, an usher robot greets diners by extending an arm and saying "Earth person hello. Welcome to the Robot Restaurant," the U.K. Daily Mail reports. Separate robot chefs cook the food. less

At Robot Restaurant 20, which opened last June, an usher robot greets diners by extending an arm and saying "Earth person hello. Welcome to the Robot Restaurant," the U.K. Daily Mail reports. Separate robot ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

At Robot Restaurant 20, which opened last June, an usher robot... Photo-4051346.55341 - Times Union

Image 3 of 15

A robot cooks dumplings in the robot restaurant on Jan. 16, 2013.

A robot cooks dumplings in the robot restaurant on Jan. 16, 2013.

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

A robot cooks dumplings in the robot restaurant on Jan. 16, 2013. Photo-4051344.55341 - Times Union

Image 4 of 15

Robot waiters deliver the dishes, running along tracks in the floor.

Robot waiters deliver the dishes, running along tracks in the floor.

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

Robot waiters deliver the dishes, running along tracks in the floor. Photo-4051349.55341 - Times Union

Image 5 of 15

The robots reportedly can display more than 10 facial expressions and say basic welcoming lines to diners.

The robots reportedly can display more than 10 facial expressions and say basic welcoming lines to diners.

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

The robots reportedly can display more than 10 facial expressions... Photo-4051350.55341 - Times Union

A robot waiter (left) takes orders, and then another robot dances to entertain waiting diners.

A robot waiter (left) takes orders, and then another robot dances to entertain waiting diners.

Photo: LAURENT FIEVET, AFP/Getty Images

A robot waiter (left) takes orders, and then another robot dances... Photo-4051428.55341 - Times Union

Image 14 of 15

Motoman demonstrated its RoboBar robotic bartender at the National Restaurant Association's annual trade show on May 23, 2006 in Chicago. The high-speed, dual-arm robot, which costs about $150,000, can serve beer, wine and mix drinks. less

Motoman demonstrated its RoboBar robotic bartender at the National Restaurant Association's annual trade show on May 23, 2006 in Chicago. The high-speed, dual-arm robot, which costs about $150,000, can serve ... more

Photo: Scott Olson, Getty Images

Motoman demonstrated its RoboBar robotic bartender at the National... Photo-4051421.55341 - Times Union